SDK
Flagship Specialism

Hyperpigmentation

Dark patches, melasma and post-inflammatory marks, assessed properly before anything is treated.

What it is

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment responsible for giving our skin its colour. This extra pigment can develop after sun exposure, inflammation, hormonal changes or injury to the skin, leaving behind dark marks, patches or an uneven skin tone. In clinic, we most commonly see four types of pigmentation. Sun-induced pigmentation develops gradually from years of UV exposure. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) appears after acne, eczema, ingrown hairs or other skin trauma. Melasma is a chronic form of pigmentation, often triggered by hormones, and typically affects the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. We also see hormonal pigmentation, which can fluctuate with internal changes and is often more unpredictable. Accurate diagnosis is one of the most important parts of successful treatment. Different types of pigmentation respond differently, and using the wrong products or treatments can sometimes make it worse rather than better. Our approach always begins with a thorough skin consultation. By understanding what's causing your pigmentation, we can create a personalised treatment plan that's designed to safely improve your skin while reducing the risk of it returning.

Skin of colour

Treating pigmentation in melanin-rich skin.

Pigmentation in skin of colour behaves differently. Melanin response to inflammation is higher, which means a treatment that resolves pigmentation in one skin type can trigger fresh post-inflammatory marks in another. Plans here are built with that in mind, choice of peel acid, peel strength, microneedling depth, light source and aftercare are all matched to how your skin actually behaves, not a generic protocol.

Why there isn't one answer

What you actually need depends on your skin, the cause, your history and your timeline. Two people with the same concern often need different plans, and that's the whole reason SDK doesn't run from a treatment menu.

The treatments listed below are the ones most commonly used for hyperpigmentation. Which of them, and in what order, frequency and combination, is decided at your consultation.

Relevant treatments

Most commonly used for this concern.

Common questions

About hyperpigmentation.

The questions we hear most often in consultation. If yours isn't here, the consultation itself is the right place for it.

Next step

Bring your skin in. We'll tell you what's actually going on.

Every plan at SDK starts with a proper assessment, not a treatment booking. By the end you'll have a written plan and an honest sense of what's realistic.

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Other concerns

All concerns